Work Performance Data: The Foundation of Project Information

PMBOK v8 Definition

Work performance data represents the raw observations and measurements identified during work execution. It is the lowest level of detail from which information is derived by other processes. This data is gathered through work execution and passed to controlling processes for further analysis. Examples include work completed, key performance indicators (KPIs), technical performance measures, actual start and finish dates, story points completed, deliverables status, schedule progress, number of change requests, number of defects, actual costs incurred, and actual durations.

Why It Matters for the Exam

This concept appears frequently in PMI exam questions testing your understanding of the data-to-information-to-reports hierarchy. Questions often ask you to distinguish work performance data from work performance information and work performance reports, or to identify which items qualify as raw data versus interpreted information. Expect scenario-based questions where you must select the correct category for given project metrics.

Key Points to Remember (for the exam)

• Definition: Raw observations and measurements from executing project work activities
• Hierarchy Position: Lowest level of detail → input to controlling processes
• Collection Method: Gathered through work execution, then passed to controlling processes for analysis
• Primary Function: Serves as input to Monitoring and Controlling processes
• Examples tested: Work completed, KPIs, technical performance measures, actual start/finish dates, story points completed, deliverables status, schedule progress, change requests, defects, actual costs, actual durations
• What it is NOT: Not interpreted information, not reports, not decisions
• Key Distinction: Data becomes information after analysis in controlling processes

Typical PMI Exam Example

A project manager receives a report showing that 45% of work packages are complete, actual costs are $120,000 against a planned $100,000, and there are 12 open defects. Which items in this report represent work performance data? Answer: The raw numbers (45% complete, $120,000 actual cost, 12 defects) are work performance data. The interpretation of being "over budget" would be work performance information.

PMI Exam Traps

• Trap: Confusing work performance data with work performance information

• Reality: Data is raw measurements; information is data that has been analyzed and given context

• Trap: Thinking KPIs are always information

• Reality: KPIs can be work performance data when they are raw measurements before interpretation

• Trap: Assuming status reports are work performance data

• Reality: Status reports are work performance reports, which contain compiled information

• Trap: Believing data analysis happens during execution

• Reality: Data is collected during execution but passed to controlling processes for analysis

Important PMI Connections

Quick Review Questions

1. A project has completed 8 of 20 deliverables, with actual costs of $45,000. The project manager notes a 10% cost variance. Which items are work performance data?

2. During which process group is work performance data primarily collected?

3. What is the key difference between work performance data and work performance information?

4. Name three specific examples of work performance data that would be collected during project execution.

5. What happens to work performance data after it is collected?

PMBOK v8 Reference

Section 4 – Inputs and Outputs (Work Performance Data description and examples)